Anti-counterfeit Lab Thwarts False Components

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Andover, MA – To further protect against the increasing volume of counterfeit electronics components entering into the supply chain, Fusion, a global independent distributor of electronic components, has invested heavily in a new Anti-Counterfeit Screening and Analysis Laboratory. The lab – the most advanced among independent distributors – enables Fusion to conduct both destructive and non-destructive screening and analysis, supplementing its rigorous quality and inspection processes already in place.

The announcement of the lab's opening comes on the heels of Fusion meeting the stringent membership requirements of The Independent Distributors of Electronics Association (IDEA). In its ongoing efforts to protect customers and thwart counterfeiters, Fusion has employed anti-counterfeit screening equipment and procedures within each of its worldwide Quality Hubs, all of which are ANSI ESD 20.20-certified. Inspections conducted at all of the Quality Hubs are conducted by IDEA-certified inspectors only.

• Decapsulation Machine: exposes the interior of the chips allowing for inspection with the high-power microscope

• High-power (2000x) Optical Microscopy: allows for observation of parts under both light and dark field contrast to observe any type of handling and rework markings; and for comparison to confirmed good samples

"As counterfeiters get increasingly more sophisticated, accordingly, it's even more imperative for us to know and trust that the components we utilize in our products are authentic," said Kamran Mohajer, Sr. Manager, Manufacturing Engineering, Cisco Systems. "As a standard, Fusion continuously pursues and employs the latest technologies and methods to insure its products are not bogus and/or are of poor quality. This is the only way to beat the counterfeiters at their game. It brings much assurance and peace of mind for us."

The new lab's screening and analysis capabilities supplement rigorous quality and inspection processes Fusion already has in place:

"It is essential, for all parties involved, that the products we distribute are authentic and of the highest quality," said Paul Romano, COO at Fusion. "We hope that our customers see our new Quality Lab, another step on top of the many rigid inspection and vendor protocol procedures we employ, as a testament to our unrelenting commitment to deliver superior customer service and the highest quality products."